NASA astronaut Frank Rubio is scheduled to engage in a media conversation regarding his record-breaking yearlong mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Earth-to-space call will take place at 12:15 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, September 19. This virtual news conference presents the final opportunity to hear from Rubio while he remains in orbit for his extraordinary mission.
The live call will be available for streaming on NASA Television, the NASA App, and the agency’s official website.
Rubio is set to return to Earth on Wednesday, September 27, marking the completion of a remarkable 371-day journey in low Earth orbit. This achievement earns him the distinction of holding the record for the longest single spaceflight by an American. He surpassed the previous U.S. record of 355 days, previously held by NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei, on September 11, and the two astronauts had a chance to connect earlier this month.
Media representatives interested in participating in the event are required to RSVP to NASA’s Johnson Space Center newsroom in Houston no later than two hours before the event begins. They can do so by calling 281-483-5111 or emailing jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov. Reporters can pose questions during the news conference by dialing in no later than 12 p.m. EDT on September 19, or they can submit inquiries via social media using the hashtag #AskNASA.
Frank Rubio, born in Los Angeles and considering Miami his hometown, was selected by NASA to join the astronaut candidate class in 2017 and graduated two years later. He embarked on his maiden voyage into space aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-22 on September 21, 2022. In addition to his role as an astronaut, Rubio is a medical doctor and holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army.
For over 22 years, astronauts have continuously inhabited and worked aboard the space station. Their presence has been integral in testing technologies, conducting scientific research, and honing the skills necessary for future explorations beyond Earth.
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